No Asylum

Governor Andrew Cuomo released the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s move, via Attorney General Jeff Sessions, to block victims of domestic violence from claiming asylum:

“It is unthinkable that the Trump administration wants to shut the door on victims of domestic violence. With his decision, the attorney general has turned our American values on their head and moved to block those who most need our help from seeking refuge in our country.

“It’s clear that this administration has forgotten what makes our country great. But in New York, we remember the words engraved on the Statue of Liberty that welcome those ‘yearning to breathe free,’ and we will always stand as a beacon of hope and opportunity for all. We are reviewing the decision and will explore all options to protect victims of domestic violence.”

“This decision will put vulnerable asylum-seekers, including women and children, who are fleeing severe and often life-threatening violence directly in harm’s way. Slamming the door on innocent victims seeking safety goes against everything our country stands for and any Republican who doesn’t loudly condemn this disgusting policy will lack credibility if they ever again try to claim they stand for families, women, or children.

“Clearly, Attorney General Sessions and the Trump administration will stop at nothing to demonize immigrants and terrorize those who come to our borders seeking refuge.”